Dab Nail Breakdown: Ceramic, Titanium & Quartz — What’s the Difference?

Dabbing starts with the right nail — and no, they’re not all created equal. Whether you're new to concentrates or leveling up your rig, choosing the right dab nail can completely change your experience. Here’s everything you need to know to pick your perfect match.

🏺 Ceramic Nails

🌡️ Heat retention kings — but slow to warm.

Ceramic nails hold heat really well, which means longer dabbing windows and cooler, smoother hits. They're known for preserving flavor better than titanium, but they can be fragile and take longer to heat up.

✅ Best for:

Low-temp dabbers
Smooth, flavorful pulls
People who don’t mind a bit of patience

⚠️ Keep in mind:

Ceramic can crack if overheated or dropped
Cleaning takes more care to avoid buildup

🛠️ Titanium Nails

🚀 Durable, fast-heating, and built like a tank.

Titanium nails are nearly indestructible, heat up fast, and are great for on-the-go setups. However, they may affect flavor slightly and should be seasoned before first use to remove metallic taste.

✅ Best for:

Rugged use and travel
Quick sessions
Dabbers who prioritize durability

⚠️ Keep in mind:

Can overheat easily, especially with torches
Not ideal for terpene flavor preservation

💎 Quartz Bangers (Quartz Nails)

✨ The gold standard for flavor and versatility.

Quartz bangers (a type of quartz nail) heat up quickly, cool down clean, and are known for their pure flavor and customization. They're by far the most popular dab nail type today — and for good reason.

🧪 Types of Quartz Bangers:

Let’s break down the most popular styles so you can find your ideal setup:

🔥 Flat Top

The classic go-to. Easy to cap and compatible with most inserts and carb caps.

🌀 Terp Slurper

Built for maximum flavor. A dish at the bottom pulls concentrate through slits, evenly vaporizing your dab.

🌪️ Vortex / Tornado Banger

Spiral air holes create a cyclone effect — perfect for spinning terp pearls and vaporizing everything evenly.

📐 Angle Top

Slanted cut for better airflow control with directional carb caps.

💎 No-Weld Banger

Made from a single quartz piece — no seams = better heat retention and structural integrity.

⌛ Hourglass

Funnels vapor toward the center. Unique shape and solid airflow dynamics.

🥣 Round Bottom

Resists pooling and keeps residue to a minimum. Easier to clean than flat bottoms.

🍩 Cup Insert Banger

Features a removable cup for easy cleaning and better heat distribution.

💨 Recycler Banger

Internal circulation system for extra smooth, terp-rich vapor.

❄️ Thick Bottom (Thermal Core)

Holds heat longer and delivers consistent low-temp dabs — great for big hits.

🎡 Spinner Banger

Designed to spin terp pearls with a vortex cap. Max surface area = full vaporization.

🧠 So, which nail should you choose?

If you want…	Go for…
Max flavor + variety	Quartz banger (flat top, slurper, spinner)
Durability + fast heat	Titanium nail
Smooth low-temp hits	Ceramic nail
Easy customization	Quartz (flat top or insert styles)

🧼 Quick Tip: Keep your nail clean after every use

A clean nail = better taste, better hits, and longer life for your setup.

❓ Question	💬 Answer	💡 Pro Tip
Which dab nail is easiest to clean?	Quartz bangers with round bottoms or inserts are the easiest to maintain.	Q-tip the nail while warm and use ISO for deep cleans.
Can I use terp pearls in ceramic or titanium nails?	Not recommended — they may damage or warp with uneven heat.	Use a vortex-style quartz banger for the best pearl spin.
Do thick-bottom bangers take longer to heat?	Yes, but they hold heat longer — ideal for low-temp dabs.	Use a timer to prevent overheating and preserve quartz clarity.
How long do I heat a titanium nail?	Usually 20–30 seconds — titanium heats fast, but cooldown is key.	Always season it first to remove metallic taste.
Can quartz nails be used for cold starts?	Yes — flat top and round bottom quartz bangers are ideal for cold starts.	Watch for light bubbling to time your hit perfectly.
Are recycler bangers beginner-friendly?	They can be a bit complex — better for experienced users.	Try a flat-top banger first to get the basics down.
How often should I replace my quartz banger?	With regular cleaning, they can last months. Chazzing = time to replace.	Avoid overheating and always clean post-sesh.
Is it okay to torch a ceramic nail with high heat?	No — ceramic can crack if it gets too hot too fast.	Use a medium flame and heat slowly to avoid thermal shock.
Do no-weld bangers really matter?	Yes — fewer seams = better heat distribution and durability.	They're also easier to clean and less likely to fracture.
How do I know what size nail fits my rig?	Match your rig’s joint size (10mm, 14mm, 18mm) and gender.	Use calipers or measure across the joint for precision.